OUR PARTNERS

Blog

Meet New Board Member Holly Christopher

Holly Christopher has worked for the City of Norfolk for 14 years where she serves as Division Head, Public Information in the recreation department. “We have lots of fun, positive stories to tell, and of course one day is never the same as the next,” she said on an early January day, post Bomb Cyclone. “I am working on communication plans for an upcoming fruit tree giveaway and the regional “Day for People With disABILITIES,” finalizing details for this weekend’s War at Home Memorial event, sharing snowstorm cleanup efforts, coordinating interviews for a new Public Information staff member, and editing our quarterly classes publication. Tomorrow will be similarly varied, much as I imagine the day for most people reading this. I will say that I am never bored.”

On Working in PRPublic relations has been her career for 17 years but it was not where she planned to be initially. “My bachelor’s degree is Environmental Science – I was going to help save the world’s sea turtles” she said. “I quickly found that research was not for me, but communicating the conservation messages with the lay-person was a lot of fun. Within a few years I was in environmental communications full time, and it was so fulfilling that I pursued and completed a master’s degree in the field.”

On PRSAHolly has been a member of PRSA for five years. In 2013 she made the resolution to “Lean In” to her career and really propel herself forward. “Joining PRSA was part of that commitment and it’s proven most beneficial.” Prior to joining the board effective January 2018, Holly frequently attending monthly meetings and chaired the chapter’s professional development committee. She also found much value in attending the PRSA International Conference last October. “If at all possible, attend the annual PRSA International Conference,” she recommends. “It will expand your network and your way of looking at your current professional role, exposing you to people and ideas that will help get you to the next level.”

Now let’s really get to know Holly:

If you didn't work in PR, what would you be doing? A professional ballroom dancer or pastry chef.

What’s one thing about you that others are surprised to discover? I’m an introvert.

Name 3 things you can’t live without at work. A window, a door, and someone with whom I can bounce ideas around until we get it right.

Where would you like to visit on your next vacation? Paris

Name 5 people you'd invite to your dream dinner party. There are so many badass women and men with whom I would like to talk with that it’s hard to narrow it down. This might prove an interesting bunch: Tina Fey, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Wonder Woman, Leslie Knope, Ruth Bader Ginsberg (a.k.a. the Notorious RBG).